Attachment_14_Final_EA_July2021_0003.pdf

Environmental Assessment DOI-BLM-NV-S020-2021-0002-EA_-EA

United States Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

Environmental Assessment

Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area

Visitor Contact Station

NEPA #: DOI-BLM-NV-S020-2021-0002-EA

Casefile #: N-99390

PREPARING OFFICE

U.S. Department of the Interior

Bureau of Land Management

4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive

Las Vegas, Nevada 89130

702-515-5000

This page intentionally left blank.

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Page

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 Purpose and Need ........................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.1.1 Decision to Be Made ..................................................................................................... 1-3

1.2 Scoping and Public Involvement Issues .................................................................................... 1-3

CHAPTER 2. PROPOSED ACTION AND ALTERNATIVES ............................................................ 2-1

2.1 No Action Alternative ................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.2 Alternative A .................................................................................................................................. 2-1

2.3 Alternative B .................................................................................................................................. 2-2

2.3.1 Project Location ............................................................................................................. 2-2

2.4 Conformance ................................................................................................................................. 2-2

2.4.1 Conformance with Land Use Plans ........................................................................... 2-2

2.5 Cumulative Impacts ...................................................................................................................... 2-3

CHAPTER 3. AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS ............................... 3-1

3.1 Resource Evaluation ..................................................................................................................... 3-1

3.2 Biological Resources .................................................................................................................... 3-5

3.2.1 Vegetation/Invasive Species/Noxious Weeds ......................................................... 3-5

3.2.2 General Wildlife ............................................................................................................. 3-8

3.2.3 Migratory Birds ............................................................................................................. 3-10

3.2.4 BLM Sensitive Wildlife Species ................................................................................. 3-11

3.2.5 Federally Threatened, Endangered Proposed, or Candidate Animal

Species and Critical Habitat ...................................................................................... 3-12

3.3 Conservation Lands ................................................................................................................... 3-14

3.3.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................. 3-14

3.3.2 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 3-14

3.3.3 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................... 3-15

3.3.4 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................................... 3-15

3.4 Public Health and Safety ............................................................................................................ 3-15

3.4.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................. 3-15

3.4.2 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 3-16

3.4.3 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................... 3-17

3.4.4 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................................... 3-17

3.5 Soils ................................................................................................................................................ 3-17

3.5.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................. 3-17

3.5.2 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 3-18

3.5.3 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................... 3-19

3.5.4 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................................... 3-19

3.6 Water Resources ........................................................................................................................ 3-19

3.6.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................. 3-19

3.6.2 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 3-20

3.6.3 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................... 3-21

3.6.4 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................................... 3-21

3.7 Recreation .................................................................................................................................... 3-21

3.7.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................. 3-21

3.7.2 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 3-22

Table of Contents ii Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station July 2021

Environmental Assessment

3.7.3 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................... 3-23

3.7.4 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................................... 3-23

3.8 Visual Resources ......................................................................................................................... 3-23

3.8.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................. 3-23

3.8.2 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 3-24

3.8.3 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................... 3-25

3.8.4 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................................... 3-25

3.9 Socioeconomics .......................................................................................................................... 3-26

3.9.1 Affected Environment ................................................................................................. 3-26

3.9.2 Low-Income Populations ........................................................................................... 3-27

3.9.3 Minority Populations ................................................................................................... 3-27

3.9.4 Environmental Consequences .................................................................................. 3-28

3.9.5 Mitigation Measures .................................................................................................... 3-29

3.9.6 Cumulative Impacts ..................................................................................................... 3-29

CHAPTER 4. CONSULTATION AND COORDINATION................................................................ 4-1

4.1 Tribes, Individuals, Organizations, and Agencies Consulted .............................................. 4-1

4.2 Summary of Consultation and Coordination ......................................................................... 4-1

4.2.1 Summary of Tribal Consultation and Coordination .............................................. 4-1

4.2.2 Summary of Agency Coordination ............................................................................ 4-2

CHAPTER 5. LIST OF PREPARERS .............................................................................................. 5-1

CHAPTER 6. REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 6-1

TABLES Page

2-1 Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions .............................................................. 2-5 3-1 Resources Considered in the Evaluation of the Alternatives ........................................................... 3-1 3-2 Low-Income Populations, 2018 .............................................................................................................. 3-27 3-3 Population Demographics, 2018 ............................................................................................................ 3-28 4-1 List of Agencies, and Organizations Consulted .................................................................................... 4-1 5-1 List of BLM Preparers ................................................................................................................................. 5-1 5-2 List of Other Preparers .............................................................................................................................. 5-1

FIGURES Page

1-1 Project Area .................................................................................................................................................. 1-2 2-1 Cumulative Analysis Area Map ................................................................................................................. 2-4 3-1 Yucca and Cacti Occurrences .................................................................................................................. 3-6 3-2 Proposed Project Site ............................................................................................................................... 3-24

APPENDICES

A Biological Findings Reports

B Standard Stipulations

C Plant Salvage and Transplantation Plan

D Design Features

E Public Comment Report

F Biological Opinion

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station iii

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS Full Phrase

APLIC Avian Power Line Interaction Committee

BEA Bureau of Economic Analysis

BLM United States Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management

BLS Bureau of Labor Statistics

BMP best management practice

CBER Center for Business and Economic Research

CEQ Council on Environmental Quality

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

DAQ Department of Air Quality

EA environmental assessment

EIS environmental impact statement

FONSI finding of no significant impact

GHG Greenhouse Gas

LVVWD Las Vegas Valley Water District

NCA national conservation area

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

NLCS National Landscape Conservation System

NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System

NRCS Natural Resources Conservation Service

OPLMA Omnibus Public Land Management Act

PEIS Preliminary Environmental Impact Statement

PL Public Law ppm parts per million

RMP resource management plan

ROD record of decision

SHPO State Historic Preservation Office

SNEI Southern Nevada Environmental, Inc.

SRP special recreation permit

USC US Code

USFWS US Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS US Geological Survey

VRM visual resource management

Table of Contents iv Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station July 2021

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station 1-1

Chapter 1. Introduction

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has prepared this environmental assessment (EA) to disclose and analyze the environmental effects of developing and maintaining a permanent visitor contact station and improving infrastructure at the visitor site. The new station will replace the temporary visitor contact station at the north boundary of the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area (NCA) (Figure 1-1, Project Area).

This EA will assist the BLM Red Rock-Sloan Field Office in project planning. It will ensure compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and determine whether any significant effects could result from the analyzed actions.

Following the requirements of NEPA (40 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 1508.9 (a)), this EA describes the potential impacts of a No Action Alternative and two action alternatives (Alternatives A and B). If the

BLM determines that the selected action alternative is not expected to have major effects, it will issue a finding of no significant impact (FONSI) and will prepare a decision record. If significant effects are anticipated, the BLM will prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) or will select the No Action Alternative.

1.1 PURPOSE AND NEED

The purposes of the proposed project are as follows:

• Ensure proper management and protection of sensitive cultural and natural resources;

• Improve the visitor experience; and

• Provide appropriate facilities and infrastructure to support management of the Sloan Canyon NCA.

Developing a permanent visitor contact station with associated improvements will support the record of decision (ROD) for the approved Sloan Canyon NCA Resource Management Plan (RMP)/Final EIS (BLM

2006) and the approved North McCullough Wilderness Management Plan (BLM 2005). It will also ensure proper management and protection of sensitive cultural resources (BLM 2006). The objectives under Section

2.2.8, Facilities, of the wilderness management plan are to provide appropriate access points with relevant interpretive opportunities, signage, mapping, and information specific to that area and to provide appropriate facilities and infrastructure to support management of the NCA.

The visitor contact station is the main public access to the highly visited Petroglyph Management Area in the

North McCullough Wilderness. The wilderness management plan establishes visitor numbers, group size, and seasonal and area limits so that wilderness characteristics like solitude are not affected beyond an acceptable limit. The Visitor Contact Center will provide NCA management with office space, serve as one of the access and control points for the Petroglyph Management Area, and be the base of operations for patrols and rangers.

Once residential development on the northern and western sides of the NCA is complete, the Sloan Canyon

Petroglyph Management Area will be just a short distance from a large urban population. To properly manage the anticipated high number of visitors, to protect the sensitive cultural and natural resources, and to protect wilderness characteristics, a permanent visitor contact station and improved infrastructure are needed.

The visitor contact station will also provide improved visitor experience through environmental and interpretive programs, improved trails, additional and accessible parking, and recreation structures such as shade pavilions, benches, and picnic tables.

North McCullough Wilderness

Democracy Dr

0 350 700 Feet

Source: BLM GIS 2020 April 2021 SloanCanyonEA_Alts_ProjectArea_V01.pdf Bureau of Land Management No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual or aggregate use with other data. Original data were compiled from various sources. This information may not meet National Map Accuracy Standards.

This product was developed through digital means and may be updated without notification.

Visitor contact station

Amphitheater

Figure 1-1 Project Area

^ ^ Visitor contact station

Alternative A utility services Alternative B septic system line Amphitheater Parking Electric line Stormwater catch basin Septic system Shelter Water structure Wall Fence Sidewalk Path National Conservation Area Wilderness Area Nawghaw Poa Road

"A

! NEVADA

Carson City

Sloan Canyon EA

"A

Septic system

Sloan Canyon

NCA

1. Introduction (Purpose and Need)

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station 1-3

1.1.1 Decision to Be Made

The BLM manages the Sloan Canyon NCA and is therefore the decision-maker on the proposed project.

The decision the BLM will make is to decide whether to construct and maintain the proposed visitor contact station and to improve the infrastructure.

This site-specific EA, as required by NEPA, provides the analytical framework for the BLM to evaluate impacts on public land resources and to make an informed and documented decision.

The impacts from ground-disturbing activities can be reduced to a level of “not significant,” provided that measures are undertaken to minimize and mitigate effects associated with construction and maintenance.

1.2 SCOPING AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT ISSUES

To determine the scope of environmental documentation and analysis required for this project, the BLM held a public information forum for the proposed permanent visitor contact station on December 5, 2018, at the Levi Strauss Sky Harbor Distribution Center in Henderson, Nevada. Forty-two people attended the public information forum. In addition, comments could be submitted by email or mail during the public comment period between December 5, 2018, and January 11, 2019.

The BLM received five unique written submissions during the public comment period: four were from individuals and one was from an organization. Two of the comments were received at the public information forum, and three were received via email. The BLM reviewed each submission to determine if it contained comments that pertained to an issue that will be addressed through the EA. Details of comments and issues presented by the public are in the public scoping report for the project (BLM 2019).

The draft EA was submitted to the public for review on April 28, 2021, for a 30-day public review period, ending May 28, 2021. Additionally, the BLM held a virtual public meeting on May 5, 2021, to provide the public an opportunity to ask questions and have them answered live and to provide verbal comments. During this review 15 comments were received. Details of the comments received and responses from BLM are presented in Appendix E, Public Comment Report.

1. Introduction

1-4 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station July 2021

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station 2-1

Chapter 2. Proposed Action and Alternatives

The BLM is proposing to develop and maintain a permanent visitor contact station and improved infrastructure to replace the temporary visitor contact station at the north boundary of the Sloan Canyon

NCA. A description of the No Action Alternative and action Alternatives A and B follows.

2.1 NO ACTION ALTERNATIVE

Under the No Action Alternative, the proposed improvements would not occur, and the temporary visitor contact center (portable trailer, generator, and porta-potty) would remain the main public point of contact for the Sloan Canyon NCA.1 This would result in continuing concerns of the BLM’s ability to properly manage recreation impacts on cultural and natural resources in the NCA. It would not provide enhanced visitor experiences and would result in insufficient parking and visitor access as demand grows. Additionally, it would not support the approved Sloan Canyon NCA RMP and Wilderness Management Plan goals and objectives and would not provide the needed facilities and infrastructure for BLM staff to properly manage the Sloan Canyon NCA.

2.2 ALTERNATIVE A

The BLM Red Rock-Sloan Field Office proposes replacing the temporary visitor contact trailer with a new permanent facility and associated site developments, funded through a special account for management and planning at Sloan Canyon NCA. The auction of a 500-acre parcel near the NCA in November 2003 established the funding. Creation of this permanent facility would enhance visitor experiences, provide sufficient parking and visitor access, and provide the necessary space, materials, and opportunities for the

BLM to properly educate the public on protecting the Sloan Canyon NCA, the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph

Management Area, and the North McCullough Wilderness Area.

Under Alternative A, total maximum disturbance anticipated at the project site would be restricted to an approximate 30-acre area; however, at this time, not all of this acreage would require ground disturbance for permanent structures. Portions of the 30-acre area would be left with existing vegetation, such as the area surrounded by the nature trail loop, as shown in the project area map (Figure 1-1).

The new proposed 3,000-square-foot visitor contact station main building would be comprised of the following:

• Welcome center area

• Gift shop

• Conference room

• Offices and open office area

• Men’s and women’s public restrooms

• Staff restroom

• Mechanical and electrical room

• Janitorial supply room

1Due to reduced visitation as a result of COVID-19, the portable trailer is not currently at the site. The EA still analyzes in the No Action Alternative the presence of the portable trailer on the site, as it considers typical conditions at the site, and the trailer would typically be on the site. If the No Action Alternative is selected and

COVID-19 restrictions abated, the portable trailer would return to the site.

2. Proposed Action and Alternatives (Alternative A)

2-2 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station July 2021

• Break room

• Storage area

The associated site developments outside of the main building would include an expanded parking lot, outdoor exhibit and museum area, outdoor amphitheater, new paved nature trail loop, connector trails, shade pavilions, fencing, informational signs, and benches.

The new 0.4-mile paved nature trail loop would be south of the visitor contact station and would be contained within a post and cable fence to help prevent visitors from straying off the trail. Total anticipated disturbance from establishing this trail would be approximately 0.4 acres. Trailheads for new connector trails would be established to the east of the facility and parking lot. These provide access to existing trails leading to Henderson and the Sloan Canyon Petroglyph Trail. These connector trails would collectively be 0.3 miles in length and would create 0.08 acres of disturbance.

Under Alternative A, electric, water, and sewer utilities would be connected to the City of Henderson’s municipal connections at the intersection of Nawghaw Poa Road and Democracy Drive. The utility lines would be installed along either side of Nawghaw Poa Road, using portions of existing disturbance from previous development of the road, where feasible. Total acreage associated with the utility installation would be approximately 24 acres.

2.3 ALTERNATIVE B

Alternative B would include all of the design features described under Alternative A, except the water and sewer utilities would not connect to the municipal services; this is because the utilities would be designed as a self-contained unit. Water would be delivered to the site as needed and would be stored in a cistern to be pumped directly to the building. The sewer system would be designed as an underground septic system.

Disturbance associated with this utility option would be about 1 acre. Overall, total maximum disturbance anticipated under this alternative would be 24.5 acres, 5.5 acres less than Alternative A. This design would be required should municipal connections to the City of Henderson be unattainable.

2.3.1 Project Location

The project site is at the southern terminus of Nawghaw Poa Road, south of Henderson, Mount Diablo

Meridian, Nevada, Township 23 South, Range 61 East, Section 26, W1/2 NE1/4 and NW1/4 SE1/4, at 2998

Nawghaw Poa Road, Henderson, Nevada (Figure 1-1).

2.4 CONFORMANCE

2.4.1 Conformance with Land Use Plans

The proposed project is in conformance with the Sloan Canyon NCA RMP (BLM 2006), dated May 30, 2006and the North McCullough Wilderness Management Plan (BLM 2005). The emphasis of this plan is to protect unique habitats for threatened, endangered, and special status species, while providing areas for community growth, recreation, mineral exploration and development, and other resource uses. The action alternatives for this EA conform with applicable goals, objectives, and management direction in the Sloan

Canyon NCA RMP and Wilderness Management Plan.

The sections in the Sloan Canyon NCA RMP that are most relevant to this EA are Management Emphasis

Areas (Section 2.2.1) and Recreation (Section 2.2.2) (BLM 2006); the most relevant sections of the North

McCullough Wilderness Management Plan are Petroglyph Management Area Visitation (Section 2.2.3), Cultural Resources (Section 2.2.4), Visual Resources (Section 2.2.6), Interpretation (Section 2.2.7), Facilities (Section 2.2.8), and Geology and Soils (Section 2.2.17) (BLM 2005).

2. Proposed Action and Alternatives (Conformance)

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station 2-3

The alternatives are also in conformance with the following:

• Clean Air Act of 1970, as amended in 1977 and 1990 (42 US Code [USC] 7401 et seq., Public Law

[PL] 91-604, and 42 USC 1857h-7 et seq.)

• Clean Water Act of 1977, as amended (33 USC 1251-1387. PL 92-500)

• Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 USC 1531 et seq. PL 93-205)

• Executive Order 13112, Invasive Species (February 3, 1999)

• Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 (43 USC 1701 et seq.)

• Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as amended (16 USC 703 et seq.).

• NEPA (PL 91-190, 42 USC 4321–4347; PL 94-52, July 3, 1975; PL 94-83, August 9, 1975; and PL

97-258, Section 4(b), September 13, 1982)

• National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (16 USC 470a et seq., 80 Stat. 915; PL

89-66)

• Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1975 (PL 93-629; 7 USC 2801 et seq.; 88 Stat. 2148, January 3, 1975)

• Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971 (PL 92-195)

• Clark County Conservation of Public Land and Natural Resources Act of 2002 (PL 107-282)

• Wilderness Act of 1964 (PL 88-577)

2.5 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Cumulative impacts are defined in the BLM NEPA Handbook (2008) as those on the environment from the incremental impact of the action, when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, regardless of what agency (federal or non-federal) or person undertakes such actions. Cumulative impacts can result from individually minor but collectively significant actions taking place over time (40 CFR

1508.7).

The cumulative analysis area for the project comprises an approximate 5-mile diameter around the project area. This area consists of approximately 561,477 acres: 295,400 of which are BLM-administered public lands.

The remaining 266,077 acres includes 9,010 acres of Bureau of Reclamation land, 22,573 acres of Clark

County land, 2,819 acres of Department of Energy land, 1,553 acres of National Park Service land, 5 acres of State of Nevada land, and 230,117 acres of private lands (Figure 2-1).

On the basis of agency records, GIS analysis, and an interdisciplinary team discussion, the BLM has identified the past, present, and reasonably foreseeable actions that have affected or may affect the resources in the cumulative analysis area to varying degrees (see Table 2-1).

Sloan Canyon NCA

Democracy Dr

0 7,000 14,000 Feet

Figure 2-1 Cumulative Analysis Area

Project area Petroglyph Management Area National Conservation Area Bureau of Land Management Nevada State Private

! NEVADA

Carson City

Sloan Canyon EA

Source: BLM GIS 2020 January 2021 SloanCanyonEA_Alts_ProjectArea_SMA_V01.pdf Bureau of Land Management No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual or aggregate use with other data. Original data were compiled from various sources. This information may not meet National Map Accuracy Standards.

This product was developed through digital means and may be updated without notification.

2. Proposed Action and Alternatives

Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station

2-4 July 2021

2. Proposed Action and Alternatives (Cumulative Impacts)

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station 2-5

Table 2-1. Past, Present, and Reasonably Foreseeable Future Actions

Action Description Area Affected

Past Projects

Nawghaw Poa Road and temporary visitor contact station trailer

BLM right-of-way to provide access to temporary visitor contact station

North end of Sloan Canyon NCA

Trails 100 and 101 (2011–2015) Construction of nonmotorized trails through the Sloan Canyon

Petroglyph Management Area

Sloan Canyon Petroglyph

Management Area

Planning

Regional Open Space Plan

(approved 2006)

Provides goals for conserving open space to provide connectivity to

Red Rock Canyon NCA

Regional

Las Vegas Valley Perimeter Open

Space Plan (approved 2009)

Provides goals for conserving open space to provide connectivity to

Red Rock Canyon NCA

Las Vegas Valley Perimeter

West Henderson Land Use Plan

(approved 2014)

Land use plan for Henderson’s

West Henderson Planning Area

Land generally bounded between the Sloan Canyon NCA border on the south and St. Rose Parkway on the north

Foreseeable Future Projects

Residential homes Expansion of residential area North, northeast, and northwest of the intersection of Nawghaw Poa

Road and Democracy Drive

School Construction of a school Next to Nawghaw Poa Road and

Sloan NCA

Park Construction of a park Next to Nawghaw Poa Road and

Sloan NCA

Vegas Valley Rim Trail Construction of a 35-mile trail around the Las Vegas Valley

Would connect mountainous areas around the Las Vegas Valley

2. Proposed Action and Alternatives

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Chapter 3. Affected Environment and

Environmental Effects

3.1 RESOURCE EVALUATION

The BLM Red Rock/Sloan Field Office resource specialists reviewed the alternatives and found resources with the potential for impact and those with no potential for impact.

The following table is a list of all resources considered in the evaluation of the No Action Alternative and action alternatives. The resources found that may be affected by this proposal have been carried forward for analysis and are discussed further in this chapter. There are resources that are not present or that would not be affected by the alternatives, because they would be completely mitigated with the implementation of standard stipulations; these resources are not discussed further.

Table 3-1. Resources Considered in the Evaluation of the Alternatives

Resource

May be

Affected

(Carried

Forward for

Analysis)

Not Present or Not

Affected

Rationale for No Impact

Areas of Critical

Environmental Concern

X There are no Areas of Critical Environmental

Concern near the proposed project.

Air quality X The federal Clean Air Act of 1990 requires that air quality throughout the United States meet certain National Ambient Air Quality Standards, with respect to criteria pollutants, in order to protect the public health and the environment.

The proposed action is in a nonattainment area

(does not meet the standard) for particulate matter of 10 microns and therefore must be managed in accordance with the Clark County

State Implementation Plan. Fugitive emissions from construction are temporary and would not create any lasting impacts on the environment. A dust control permit would be obtained through

Clark County Dept. of Air Quality (DAQ) for all construction and/or soil disturbing activity of .25 acres or greater, in the aggregate and ensure stipulations are in compliance for the duration of the project(s).

Conservation lands X The proposed facility and infrastructure would be within and in the vicinity of the Sloan Canyon

NCA and North McCullough Wilderness. This resource is discussed under Conservation Lands.

Cultural resources X The BLM completed a class III survey of 166 acres for the proposed action. No historic properties were identified in direct disturbance areas nor in the indirect area of potential effect

(1-mile radius of the proposed disturbance areas).

3. Affected Environment and Environmental Effects (Resource Evaluation)

3-2 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station July 2021

Resource

May be

Affected

(Carried

Forward for

Analysis)

Not Present or Not

Affected

Rationale for No Impact

Environmental justice X It is unlikely that minority or low-income communities are present in or near the proposed action. This resource is discussed under Socioeconomics.

Fish and wildlife, excluding federally listed species

X Construction and infrastructure could affect general wildlife. This resource is discussed under

Biological Resources.

Floodplains X The proposed project does not intersect any floodplains designated by the Federal Emergency

Management Agency.

Forestry X Cactus and yucca are considered government property regulated under the Nevada BLM forestry program. The proposed action is in an area containing low densities of cactus and yucca;

however, there may be impacts on this resource, and salvage would be required. This resource is discussed under Biological Resources.

Fuels and fire management

X The proposed project would change fuels and fire management, but not to the extent that a detailed analysis would be required. The proposed project would change fire response and fire management from wildland to wildland urban interface, thereby increasing fire response complexity. The BLM fire department responds to wildfires only. Once the visitor contact station is built, a wildfire response could require both a

BLM and local fire department response. All responses to non-wildfires, structure fires, hazardous materials, or other emergency situations would require an emergency response from the appropriate jurisdiction, probably Clark

County Rural Fire Department.

Geology/mineral resources

X No mining claims or mining operations are present. The proposed project would not affect mineral resources. All minerals are withdrawn though the NCA’s legislation.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) and climate change

X There are no limits for suspected GHG emissions under the proposed action. There is no technically defensible method for predicting potential climate changes from GHG emissions;

however, there are efforts to address GHG emissions from federal activities in future planning documents, including BLM-authorized uses.

Hydrologic conditions X Facility or infrastructure development could affect hydrological conditions by interfering with runoff patterns and surface flow. This resource is discussed under Water Resources.

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station 3-3

Resource

May be

Affected

(Carried

Forward for

Analysis)

Not Present or Not

Affected

Rationale for No Impact

Invasive species/noxious weeds

X New disturbance and construction could spread or introduce nonnative species. This resource is discussed under Biological Resources.

Lands and realty X All facilities, including roads that are developed on the NCA, must conform to the RMP’s ROD.

Livestock grazing X The proposed project is not in any authorized grazing allotments.

Migratory birds X New disturbance and construction could affect birds in the area. This resource is discussed under Biological Resources.

Native American concerns

X The BLM has the responsibility to ensure that meaningful consultation and coordination concerning tribal interests and resources are conducted on a government-to-government basis with federally recognized tribes. Under the federal government’s trust responsibilities to tribes, the

BLM and other federal agencies have an obligation to exercise statutory and other legal authorities in a manner that protects tribal resources and rights.

Several tribes have deep traditional connections with the Petroglyph Canyon Site and other locations within the NCA. The BLM recognizes and provides for the traditional tribal use of the Sloan

Canyon Petroglyph Site. Consultation with Native

American tribes with an interest in the proposed contact station and in the management of cultural resources is ongoing and is summarized in Section

4.2.1, Summary of Tribal Consultation.

Paleontological resources

X The proposed project falls within a class 1 and class 2 paleontological resource area of very low to low fossil potential. The geologic units are not likely to contain paleontological resources.

Public Health and Safety X The proposed project would include measures for public health and safety. This resource is discussed under Public Health and Safety

Recreation/travel/wild and scenic rivers

X The proposed project would improve and modify visitor experiences. This resource is discussed under Recreation.

Socioeconomics X The level of economic benefit during construction is unlikely to be to a degree that would require a detailed analysis. Over the long term, the proposed action would improve access, safety, and the recreation experience for visitors. This resource is discussed under

Socioeconomics and Environmental Justice.

3-4 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station July 2021

Resource

May be

Affected

(Carried

Forward for

Analysis)

Not Present or Not

Affected

Rationale for No Impact

Soils X Surface disturbance and trail creation could affect soils and increase erosion or runoff. This resource is discussed under Soils.

Threatened, endangered, or candidate animal species

X The proposed project may affect the federally listed as threatened desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii). This resource is discussed under

Biological Resources.

Threatened, endangered, or candidate plant species

X There are no threatened, endangered, or candidate plant species in the project area.

Transmission corridors X There are no transmission corridors in the project area

Vegetation X Surface disturbance and trail creation could affect vegetation. This resource is discussed under Biological Resources.

Visual resources X Creating a new permanent facility, trails, and parking around an important recreational and cultural site could affect visual resources. This resource is discussed under Visual Resources.

Wastes (hazardous or solid)

X Creating a facility and visitor restrooms would necessitate sewer infrastructure; however, hazardous materials and solid waste would be temporarily managed during construction and would be mitigated through operations, so no further analysis is needed with standard stipulations included in the final grant document(s). During construction, a hazardous waste plan must be prepared and reviewed by

BLM in the event waste is stored and/or generated, to be removed off site for proper disposal.

Water resources X Expanding the parking lot and trails may alter surface water runoff and cause erosion. This resource is discussed under Water Resources.

Wetlands and riparian areas

X There are no wetlands or riparian areas in the proposed project area.

Wild horses and burros X The proposed road is not in an active herd management area. There would be no impacts on wild horses or burros.

Wilderness X The project site does not contain any designated wilderness, wilderness study areas, or land with wilderness characteristics; however, the proposed project is the gateway to the North

McCullough Wilderness Area. This resource is discussed under Conservation Lands.

3. Affected Environment and Environmental Effects (Biological Resources)

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station 3-5

3.2 BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES

3.2.1 Vegetation/Invasive Species/Noxious Weeds

Affected Environment Biological surveys and reports for the project were conducted and prepared in 2018 and 2019 by Southern Nevada Environmental, Inc. (SNEI) on behalf of EMPSi (SNEI 2018, 2019; see Appendix A: Biological Findings Reports). SNEI identified creosote bush scrub as the vegetation community type that occurs throughout the project area. SNEI documented all special status species, suitable habitat, and invasive species occurrences. They specifically evaluated special status plant species and habitat, including BLM sensitive species, State of Nevada species of concern, and federally listed species. No documented habitat or BLM sensitive plant species, State of Nevada threatened or endangered species, or federally threatened or endangered plant species were encountered in the survey area.

In Nevada, all cacti and yucca plants are protected under 2009 Nevada Code, Title 47—Forest Products and Flora, Chapter 5270: Protection and Preservation of Timbered Lands, Trees and Flora, Protection of Christmas Trees, Cacti, and Yucca (State of Nevada 2009).

In its 2019 assessment, SNEI identified 81 cacti and yucca plants: 10 silver cholla (Cylindropuntia echinocarpa), 21 pencil cholla (C. ramosissima), 11 cottontop cactus (Echinocactus polycephalus), 6 beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris), and 33 Mojave yucca (Yucca shidigera) in a 73-acre surveyed area. When overlain with the current project area, none of the identified yucca or cacti plants fall within areas designated for disturbance (Figure 3-1, Yucca and Cacti Occurrences).

No other endangered, threatened, or sensitive plant species were encountered during the assessment (SNEI 2018, 2019; see Appendix A, Biological Findings Reports).

During its 2019 assessment, SNEI encountered one noxious weed species (Sahara mustard [Brassica tournifortii]) and three nonnative plants (cheatgrass [Bromus tectorum], saltlover [Halogoten glomeratus], and Russian thistle [Salsola tragus]). Sahara mustard was documented on the southeast side of the project site;

cheatgrass, saltlover, and Russian thistle were sparsely populated throughout the entire project area, with denser occurrences of Russian thistle and saltover along the road and parking area (SNEI 2018, 2019;

Appendix A, Biological Findings Reports).

Sahara mustard, a fast-spreading winter annual in the Brassicaceae (mustard) family, is native to the Old World, the area that spans from northern Africa and the Middle East to southern Europe and Pakistan. It is an invasive, exotic, federal- and state-listed noxious weed that is difficult to eradicate. It aggressively invades disturbed areas, and once established, it is very difficult to manage and can spread quickly along roadsides and washes via wind-blown tumbling parent plants and sticky, buoyant seeds. Once established in an area, it does not require disturbance to become invasive. Healthy plants can produce 750 to 9,000 seeds that remain viable for more than 3 years (BLM 2019). It prefers sandy soils but appears to be expanding its range. It can out-compete native vegetation and contribute to fire fuel loads. It is also high in oxalic acid and may be toxic to desert tortoises.

Environmental Consequences No Action Alternative There would be no new disturbances of vegetation communities associated with facility or infrastructure development. The existing visitor contact station trailer and parking lot would continue to be used. The nature trail loop would not be constructed and thus would not disturb any acreage of creosote bush scrub vegetation or potentially increase the spread of invasive species due to visitor use. Since there would be no construction, there would be no direct introduction and spread of invasive species/noxious weeds from construction equipment.

Democracy Dr

0 225 450 Feet

Source: BLM GIS 2020 February 2021 SloanCanyonEA_AE_Veg_YuccaCacti_V01.pdf Bureau of Land Management No warranty is made by the Bureau of Land Management as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of these data for individual or aggregate use with other data. Original data were compiled from various sources. This information may not meet National Map Accuracy Standards.

This product was developed through digital means and may be updated without notification.

Visitor contact station

Amphitheater

Figure 3-1 Yucca and Cacti Occurrences

Beavertail Cactus Cottontail Cactus Silver Cholla Mojave Yucca

^ Visitor contact station

Alternative A utility services Alternative B septic system line Ampitheater Parking Electric line Stormwater catch basin Septic system Shelter Water structure Wall Fence Sidewalk Path National Conservation Area Nawghaw Poa Road

"A

! NEVADA

Carson City

Sloan Canyon EA

"A

Septic system

3. Affected Environment and Environmental Effects

Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station

3-6 July 2021

July 2021 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station 3-7

However, the current populations of noxious and nonnative plants may continue to spread without proper evaluation, treatment, and public education. Recreation activities in the area may lead to further spread of these species, by foot or vehicular travel.

Alternative A

Development of the visitor contact station and associated facilities, trail loop, and parking lot would result in the permanent loss of approximately 3 acres of vegetation. Constructing and installing the proposed electric, water, and sewer utilities to municipal services would temporarily affect 24 acres of vegetation along either side of Nawghaw Poa Road. Alternative A would disturb a maximum of 29.5 acres of vegetation. The disturbed areas would be reclaimed following installation, thereby decreasing the long-term impacts on vegetation.

Other areas where surface disturbance would occur as a result of construction would be reclaimed and seeded with BLM-approved, weed-free seed mix once project construction is complete. While impacts on vegetation in these areas would be temporary, it would require several years before new growth would be similar to the existing vegetation.

Vegetation removal and soil disturbance during construction could create conditions for the establishment or spread of invasive and noxious weed species. Vehicles and construction equipment traveling from areas outside the project area that contain invasive species could disperse invasive plant seeds, resulting in their establishment in previously undisturbed areas.

In the absence of measures to prevent and control newly established infestations resulting from construction, invasive plant species can persist in disturbed and reclaimed areas, and those that are present in the construction zone may spread to adjacent areas.

Weed management in the project area is guided by the Sloan Canyon NCA Approved RMP/ROD (BLM

2006) and Partners Against Weeds—An Action Plan for BLM (BLM 1996). In addition, weeds would be managed in accordance with the BLM’s Programmatic EIS for Vegetation Treatment Using Herbicides on

BLM Lands in 17 Western States and the BLM’s Vegetation Treatments Using Aminopyralid Fluroxypyr and

Rimsulfuron on BLM Lands in 17 Western States Programmatic EIS (BLM 2007, 2016). These resources provide direction and guidance for an active integrated weed management program using best management practices (BMPs) (see ` B; Standard Stipulations).

Impacts on State of Nevada protected yucca and cacti would be minimized, as all cactus and yucca in construction areas would be avoided. If any yucca or cacti species are identified prior to construction, they would be replanted by the methods outlined in the Sloan Canyon Plant Salvage and Transplantation Plan

(Appendix C; BLM 2021). Yucca and cactus species outside of the construction areas would not be removed but would be preserved and incorporated into the proposed landscaping.

Alternative B

Impacts on vegetation communities from the proposed project would be similar to those described under

Alternative A. Alternative B would disturb a maximum of 24.5 acres of vegetation, 5.5 fewer acres than under Alternative A. This is because water and sewer utilities would be designed as a self-contained unit and would not connect to municipal services of the City of Henderson along Nawghaw Poa Road. Reducing the surface-disturbing activities of construction along Nawghaw Poa Road would reduce the impacts on vegetation communities. This also would decrease the risk of introducing additional invasive or noxious weed species and allowing them to become established.

3-8 Sloan Canyon NCA Visitor Contact Station July 2021

Mitigation Measures

Appendix B, Standard Stipulations, has guidelines for implementing invasive species and noxious weeds

BMPs. Adhering to these guidelines would reduce impacts on native creosote bush scrub habitat in the project area. No additional vegetation mitigation measures are proposed.

Cumulative Impacts

Past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions that have affected or that may affect vegetation in the cumulative analysis area include future development projects, past and future trail developments, and land planning guidance (Table 2-1). Future developments, such as residential homes, a school, and a park near the intersection of Nawghaw Poa Road and Democracy Drive, would permanently remove or modify the native creosote bush scrub vegetation community. Such development also could increase the spread or establishment of invasive species in the general area.

Trail developments in the area can increase disturbance of native or special status plant species and contribute to the spread of invasive species. These actions would have to conform to land management policies and guidance that address impacts on vegetation and special status species.

Both Alternatives A and B have the potential to disturb fewer than 30 acres in the creosote bush scrub vegetation community that is common to the region. Requiring mitigation measures and implementing existing invasive species management, along with adhering to the plant salvage and transplantation plan, would reduce impacts on native and special status species. Even when combined with past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions, the action alternatives would not significantly affect vegetation in the cumulative analysis area or the greater landscape ecosystem.

3.2.2 General Wildlife

Affected Environment

General wildlife associated with…